Ah, the joy of holiday baking! There’s something magical about filling your kitchen with the warm aromas of sweet treats as the festive season approaches. Every year, I look forward to whipping up my favorite *Christmas bars and squares*. They’re not just a dessert; they’re a delightful way to bring family and friends together, sparking laughter and love around the table. I remember the first time I made these bars with my grandmother. We spent the whole afternoon mixing, pouring, and sneaking bites of chocolate chips when we thought no one was watching. Trust me, once you taste these festive squares, you’ll understand why they’ve become a beloved tradition in my home!
Ingredients List
Let’s gather everything we need to make these delightful *Christmas bars and squares*! Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
- 2 cups of finely crushed graham cracker crumbs
- 1 cup of sweetened shredded coconut
- 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup of chopped nuts (I love walnuts or pecans, but use your favorite!)
- 1 can (14 oz) of sweetened condensed milk
These ingredients come together beautifully, creating a festive treat that’s not only scrumptious but also super easy to whip up. You’ll love how every bite is a perfect blend of flavors and textures!
How to Prepare christmas bars and squares
Alright, let’s get into the fun part—making these scrumptious *Christmas bars and squares*! Follow these steps, and you’ll have a festive treat everyone will love.
Preheat the Oven
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is crucial because it sets the right temperature for even baking. Trust me, if you skip this step, your bars might not turn out as perfectly golden and delicious as they should be!
Mix the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sweetened shredded coconut, chocolate chips, and chopped nuts. Use a spatula or your hands to mix everything together until it’s well combined. You want the mixture to be crumbly yet slightly sticky, so it holds together nicely when pressed into the pan.
Prepare the Baking Pan
Next, grab a 9×13 inch baking pan and grease it with a bit of butter or cooking spray. This step is key to ensure your bars come out easily after baking. Now, take that delicious mixture and press it down evenly into the bottom of the pan. I like to use the back of a measuring cup for this—it really helps create a nice, compact base!
Add Sweetened Condensed Milk
Now it’s time for the magic ingredient! Pour the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the pressed mixture. This will bind everything together and give your bars that wonderfully chewy texture. Make sure to cover the surface well, so every bite is rich and sweet!
Bake and Cool
Pop the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown. You’ll know they’re done when the edges are slightly crispy and the center is just set. Once they’re out of the oven, let them cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This cooling time is essential, as it allows the bars to firm up a bit more before you cut them into squares. Trust me, the wait will be worth it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are so many reasons to adore these *Christmas bars and squares*! They’re not just a treat; they’re a festive experience. Here’s why I think you’ll fall head over heels for this recipe:
- Quick prep and baking time: You’ll have these ready to enjoy in just about 45 minutes! Perfect for those busy holiday schedules.
- No complicated ingredients: With just a handful of simple pantry staples, you can whip these up without any fuss.
- Perfect for holiday gatherings: These bars are always a crowd-pleaser, making them ideal for potlucks, parties, or just cozy nights at home.
- Easily customizable with add-ins: Feel free to get creative! Toss in some dried fruits or swap the nuts for your favorites to make them your own.
Seriously, once you make these, you might just find them becoming a regular fixture on your holiday dessert table!
Tips for Success
To ensure your *Christmas bars and squares* turn out perfectly every time, here are some handy tips! First, make sure to measure your graham cracker crumbs accurately—too many crumbs can make the base crumbly instead of chewy. If you want to switch things up, try using almond flour instead of graham cracker crumbs for a gluten-free option!
Also, don’t skimp on the sweetened condensed milk; it’s the glue that holds everything together. If you’re feeling adventurous, consider adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the mixture for a warm, festive twist. And remember, patience is key—allow the bars to cool completely before cutting to avoid messy squares. Happy baking!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the nutritional information for these delightful *Christmas bars and squares*. Each square is estimated to contain about 150 calories, making it a sweet yet manageable treat during the holiday season. Here’s a quick breakdown of what you’re getting per serving:
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Please note that these values are estimates and can vary based on ingredient brands and substitutions. Enjoy these bars as part of a balanced festive spread!
FAQ Section
I know you might have some questions about these delightful *Christmas bars and squares*, so let’s tackle a few of the most common ones!
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! These *Christmas bars and squares* can be made a day in advance. Just store them in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge to keep them fresh.
What can I substitute for the nuts?
If you’re not a fan of nuts, or if there are allergies to consider, feel free to leave them out entirely or replace them with additional chocolate chips or dried fruits for extra flavor!
Do I need to refrigerate the bars?
No need to refrigerate unless you prefer them chilled! They can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to a week.
Can I use different types of chocolate?
Definitely! While I love semi-sweet chocolate chips, you can swap in dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even white chocolate for a fun twist. The sweetened condensed milk will balance out the flavors beautifully!
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
Look for a golden brown top and edges that are slightly crispy. The center should be set but a little soft. Remember, they’ll firm up as they cool!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your delicious *Christmas bars and squares* is super simple! Just place them in an airtight container at room temperature, and they’ll stay fresh for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them, which will extend their life by a few more days. Just make sure they’re well-covered to avoid drying out!
If you prefer your bars slightly warm, you can reheat them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. But honestly, they’re just as delightful at room temperature, so feel free to enjoy them straight from the container whenever the craving hits!
Print
Christmas Bars and Squares: 5 Festive Treats You’ll Adore
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 squares 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious Christmas bars and squares that are perfect for the holiday season.
Ingredients
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk (14 oz)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, coconut, chocolate chips, and nuts.
- Press the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking pan.
- Pour sweetened condensed milk evenly over the top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
- Let cool before cutting into squares.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container.
- Can be made a day in advance.
- Try adding dried fruits for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Keywords: christmas bars, squares, holiday treats
